Virginia Tech Financial Aid Office

Study abroad can increase the cost of your education. The financial aid system recognizes this and might provide additional financial aid. Even if you do not qualify for financial aid in Blacksburg, you might qualify when the additional costs of a study abroad program are added to your budget.

There are a limited number of scholarships available. Some are from Virginia Tech and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC.) Others are provided by other organizations. The University’s Global Education website has a link to Scholarships and Financial Aid. Go there and complete the forms you need.

Pamplin College of Business Scholarships

2018-2019 will open by January 1, 2018 and will close on February 1, 2018 at 4:00 pm

Scholarship for Pamplin-Sponsored Study Abroad:
(need-based)

Need-based scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a Pamplin-Sponsored Study Abroad trip on the basis of merit of the international experience, academic and leadership potential, and financial need. The scholarship can be used to cover the cost of tuition, transportation, room and board, medical insurance and other personal expenses associated with extended travel, work, and/or study abroad.Amount: TBD (Number of awards and amounts are variable)

Eligibility and Application Requirements:
(read before applying)

*Must be a Pamplin undergraduate or graduate student interested or enrolled in a Pamplin-sponsored study abroad program traveling during the 2018-2019 academic year; *fall semester 2018 through summer II term 2019.

Receipt of a scholarship is ultimately contingent upon acceptance into and participation in a program.

*Update Hokie-Spa and major(s)/minor(s) to reflect current information.

*Prepare a general resume and essay. Separate documents are required, and are limited to one page or 250 words per page (maximum file size-250k). The essay must include: (1) The study abroad program you are most interested or enrolled in, and (2) Why you are qualified to receive this scholarship.

Outside Scholarship and Loan Directories (some outside entities to research on your own)

GoAbroad.com – Search scholarships using various criteria. GoAbroad also offers a $500 scholarship for use on any study abroad program.

Fulbright – The Fulbright Program funds ventures that aim to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Available to recent graduates, post-graduate candidates, and developing professionals.

Clara Carter Higgins Scholarship – These scholarships encourage young men and women who are interested in ecology and offer an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience beyond the regular course of study.

Institute for Humane Studies Fellowships – Awarded to students to help them take advantage of opportunities that can enhance their abilities and credentials to pursue careers that involve the communication of ideas.

Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship – The fellowship is intended for American college/university students who express an interest in international collaboration but as of yet had not been afforded many opportunities to travel abroad.

National Society of High School Scholars Foundation – The NSHSS Foundation provides STEM scholarships for underrepresented groups in order to help reduce financial barriers for those with academic and leadership potential and the desire to pursue STEM careers.

NAFSA Rainbow SIG – This scholarship is awarded to a deserving LGBTQI student who aims to participate in a high-quality, rigorous education abroad program.

University of Limerick LGBTQ Scholarship – The University of Limerick is awarding scholarships in the amount of €500 as part of their Generation Study Abroad commitment. For more information, contact the API Ireland Program Manager.

Regional Scholarships

AllTheRooms – Offering $1,000 scholarsip to help students cover their travel costs.

Boren Awards for International Study – Boren Scholarships allow U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests but underrepresented in study abroad.

BASAA – Boston Area Study Abroad Association – A scholarship awarded to a deserving student who attends a U.S. university/college located in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Connecticut.

Cultural Bridge Scholarships – In accordance with their mission to facilitate life-changing international experiences, Weekend Student Adventures (WSA), a student travel organization, has created these scholarships to allow students the incredible, enriching opportunity to study abroad in Europe.

Education New Zealand Travel Awards – New Zealand Education is awarding travel grants of $2,000 to help students fund their flight to New Zealand as part of their Generation Study Abroad commitment.

Maynooth University Summer Scholarships – Maynooth University is offering summer school students the opportunity to win awards up to 500 Euros to help cover a portion of their expenses. Contact the API office for more information.

Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation -Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies in Spain.

Trinity College Dublin offers a number of scholarship opportunities for students accepted on an API program including a STEM scholarship, a Global Excellence scholarship, and more.

UAL Award for Study Abroad – These awards reward outstanding students who have been accepted to the study abroad programs at University of the Arts London. Applicants must submit a 250-word blog post and 4 photos or 1 video of 2 minutes introducing their home institution to a UAL student who is going to Study Abroad there next year. Think about what tips and advice might come in useful, and recommendations in and around the local area. In accepting the award, successful candidates will be expected to complete 6 blog entries of 250 words each with a minimum of 2 high-quality photos per entry, to be featured on the UAL website. Up to four awards are made to students per semester in the amount of £1,500.

University of Westminster – Students accepted to the University of Westminster for the spring 2018 term are eligible to apply for a special API scholarship in the amount of £500. Contact the API London Program Coordinator for more information.

VolunteerWorld – The Get Involved Scholarship from VolunteerWorld offers $2,000 for volunteers (18+) to join a volunteer program abroad for a minimum duration of 4 weeks.

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Affordable Colleges Online – offers a number of resources of scholarships for students with varying disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, deaf and hard of hearing, learning disabilities, orthopedic disabilities, speech disorders, visual impairment, and more.

GoodCall – Financial aid information for students with disabilities looking to go abroad.

Applicant must be enrolled full time in an undergraduate or graduate aschool, and have a documented disability. Applicant must be a US citizen or legal resident living in the US and enrolled in an accredited US University. Preference will be given to students majoring in public health, disability studies, disability research, health promotion or a field related to disability and health.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Update Hokie-Spa and major(s)/minor(s) information! Avoid becoming ineligible for scholarships, and update your record! Check all contact information, anticipated graduation date, and major(s)/minor(s) etc. Most scholarships have specific restrictions in the criteria that must be verified against the student record.

Review the 2018-2019 Pamplin-Sponsored Study Abroad Scholarship criteria to determine your eligibility! All students must be enrolled in the Pamplin College of Business, and interested or enrolled in a Pamplin-sponsored program.

Prepare a general resume and essay! The essay is limited to one page or 250 words (Maximum file size-250k), and must include: (1) Which program you are interested or enrolled in, and (2) Why you are qualified to receive the scholarship. Save your resume and essay separately so that you may upload them individually when you apply.

Q. Am I eligible to apply?

The online Study Abroad Scholarship Application is for the purposes of undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled in a Pamplin College of Business major/program, and interested or enrolled in a Pamplin-sponsored study abroad program traveling Fall 2018, Wintermester 18-19, Spring 2019, or Summer term(s) 2019. Eligible applicants must have documented financial need as determined by the results of the 2018-2019 FAFSA. Review the Study Abroad Scholarship criteria for further information.

Q. I was accepted to a Pamplin-sponsored program traveling this summer, 2018. Am I eligible for a scholarship?

Unfortunately, no. These scholarships must be awarded during the next academic year; Fall 2018, Wintermester 18-19,Spring 2019, Summer term(s) 2019. If you do not travel during that time period, you will not be eligible to receive the funds.

FAFSA Information

Q. If I already have a 2017-2018 FAFSA on file, do I need to submit another one?

Yes, because recipients will receive their scholarships in the 2018-2019 academic year, so everyone must file a 2018-2019 FAFSA.

Q. If I know that I will not have financial “need”, can I still apply for a scholarship?

No, the scholarships will only be awarded to those students who have a documented need, as per the results of the 2018-2019 FAFSA. You may use the FAFSA 4Caster to get a general estimate of your eligibility.

Q. How do I apply for a 2018-2019 FAFSA?

Go to the Financial Aid and Scholarships website for general information, helpful hints, FAFSA4caster, frequently asked questions, and a link to apply for the FAFSA online. The 2018-2019 FAFSA is available for completion on October 1, 2017 – prior to the upcoming aid year, and must be submitted (with valid signatures) by the application deadline. Virginia Tech priority deadline is January 15th, 2018.

Q. If I receive a 2018-2019 Study Abroad Scholarship and my need status changes, will I still be eligible to receive the scholarship?

Some college scholarships have to be reduced or cancelled after being awarded for an academic year, due to a student being out of “need based funding” or over the established costs of attendance for an academic year. All recipients will be encouraged to monitor HOKIE SPA, Virginia Tech e-mail, and stay in close contact with a financial aid counselor to be aware of possible changes.

Q. I have not filed my tax return yet, so how can I complete the 2018-2019 FAFSA?

Starting with the 2017­–18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA®), the following changes have been put in place:

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA®. Students have been able to file a 2018–19 FAFSA since Oct. 1, 2017. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year. Students now report earlier income information.

Q. I am an International student, can I still apply for scholarships since I cannot file a FAFSA?

Yes. However, International students do not complete a FAFSA. Instead, they are required to click here to complete a College Board Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator. After completion, submit a copy of the estimate printout to the VT Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. The document can be submitted in person at 200 Student Services Building; by fax to 540.231.9139; or, by e-mail/scanned document to amax@vt.edu. Important: Identify on the document that it is to be used for Pamplin Scholarship application purposes.

Applying for a Study Abroad Scholarship

Q. I filed my 2018-2019 FAFSA and updated all of my information, how do I apply for a Study Abroad Scholarship?

Go to the Pamplin International Programs website to apply online. (No paper applications will be accepted).

Q. When is the Study Abroad Scholarship Application deadline?

All applications must be complete and submitted online prior to 4:00 p.m. February 1, 2018 . If you have problems or questions, please contact Linda Tanko prior to the deadline.

Q. I am preparing to write my essay, what should I include?

Compare your qualifications with the criteria listed. Write an essay highlighting those qualities to support why you are the most qualified candidate, and indicate which program you are interested or enrolled in.

Q. What do I do if I am having trouble uploading my resume and essay to the online Scholarship Application?

Check the file size to be sure each document does not exceed 250k, and then try to upload again. If you continue to have problems contact Linda Tanko for assistance.

Q. I already submitted an online Study Abroad Scholarship Application, but would like to edit my information. Is it too late?

No, it is not too late as long as the application is complete prior to the February 17th deadline. Log back in and “Un-Submit the Application”, and then follow each step as you did before. Be sure to complete and re-submit the application before logging out. Incomplete applications will not be eligible for consideration.

Q. I completed the online Scholarship Application, but how do I know if it has been received?

If you successfully submitted your application with the proper attachments, the last page will state “Application Complete”. You do not need to do anything else. Applicants will be contacted if there is a problem with submission.

Q. When will I be notified if I am a scholarship recipient?

All recipients and non-recipients will be notified no later than mid-May. In the meantime, please refer to the Pamplin International Programs website to get program contact information, details, and important dates and deadlines for the study abroad program you are interested in.